Are big cities really saving the Canadian economy?

Are big cities really saving the Canadian economy?

In this Commentary, AIMS Senior Fellow in Urban Policy Patrick Luciani takes a look at the driving force behind growth in Canada’s cities. Some recent theories say that growth is driven by the elite “creative” class and therefore cities should invest heavily in culture and the arts. Luciani points out that while it may be a fine sentiment, the data don’t appear to support the theory.

Instead, he says people are more interested in short commutes and clean streets than they are in museums and art galleries. As such, Luciani suggests that municipalities that desire strong growth are better off investing in their core infrastructure, such as roads, sewers, and fire and police services.